Accomplishments, 1989-1998
Served as Dean of Learning Resources, University of Guam
Obtained funds, renovated, and expanded library building,
which occupies 54,201 square feet, consisting of a 24-hour study area, six
conference rooms, multimedia presentation classrooms, etc. The facility
was reported as "a beautiful new gem" on the University of Guam
campus. (1) The AIA Design Awards given to the project cited the building
as "a place for learning, reflection, and interaction." Jesus U.
Torres, then Chairman of the University Board, proclaimed in 1992 when the
building was done: "This
marks the first giant step in the revitalization of a university in pursuit of
academic excellence."(2)
Obtained funds, installed, and implemented a computerized system, Dynix, which
automated the services and operations of the University of Guam Library and
laid the foundation for its connection to other libraries and institutions in
U.S. and throughout the world. It was a long process, which involved internal assessment,
systems analysis, selection and negotiations, systems demonstrations, systems
installation, staff training, public interfacing, data conversion,
etc. For public awareness and promotion, many workshops and
demonstrations, such as Computer Literacy, Island InfoFiesta, Library
Technology Update, and so on were offered in the process of
implementation. The InfoFiesta was the first computerized information
workshop on Guam and won two certificates of nomination by Guam Governor and
Legislature for the Magnificent Seven Award on island. The system was
implemented in 1993, when the expansion of the library building was
completed. Equipped with the new automation system, the library had
"stepping into the 21st century" before the new millennium was dawn (3)
Initiated and acquired OCLC (Ohio Computer Library Center) services, CD-ROM
databases, Internet connection, and other innovative services in the
Library. OCLC was applied to cataloging, interlibrary loans, and reference
search. The initial CD databases included Academic Index, CINAHL, ERIC,
MEDLINE, and others.
Note that in 1989 when Wang arrived at the University of Guam, the Library
was operated manually and had not applied information technologies to its
functions. It had only one IBM and one Mac PC, both were quite old.
Supported the initiation, development, and implementation of library
instruction as partial curriculum of required English courses and as an
information class for other subject courses. The instruction was
initiated in 1990 and has been offered regularly since then.
Promoted and increased the use of the Library. Statistics shows that in
1988, the numbers of library cards issued, reference queries, and materials
checked out were 3,885; 5,552; and 38,550 respectively. In
1991, the corresponding numbers were 4,308; 8,098; and 44,830. And
the increasing trend was continuing on in the 1990s.
Encouraged, promoted, and led intellectual activities among library
faculty. The result was that in the 1990s, library faculty published
several monographs and numerous articles in journals, magazines, and local
newspapers.
Established a separate East Asian Collection to meet the needs of the
University curriculum and the population on Guam and Micronesian islands.
Played an active role in the reactivation of Guam Library Association in
September 1989 and the founding of the Pacific Islands Association of Libraries
and Archives in February 1991. GLA and PIALA have since become the forums for
library professionals on Guam and Micronesian islands to discuss their
issues and provided many continuing education opportunities.
Initiated, chaired, and implemented Guam Governor s Conference on Library and
Information Services held on November 15-17, 1990 in Agana, Guam. The
conference adopted 94 recommendations on improving library and information
services, which were made from a series of meetings held in various
villages. Seven of them related to nationwide issues were submitted to the
White Conference for consideration. The other recommendations were
proposed to Guam Governor for his attention. (4)
Selected by U.S. National Council on Library and Information Science in 1990 to
serve on the Editorial Committee for screening state recommendations for White
House Conference on Library and Information Services. Working with other
selected members in Washington D.C, reviewed, edited, and compiled a book of
recommendations for use of the conference.
Elected to serve on Guam delegation and participated in White House Conference
on Library and Information Services held on July 9-13, 1991 in Washington,
DC. The conference adopted 95 recommendations and many additional
petitions with regard to the improvement of library and information services in
the nation. Guam s seven submissions and two petitions were incorporated
in the national agenda. (5)
_______________________________
(1) "Modernized Library Enhances UOG Campus." Pacific
Magazine. May/June 1994, 54.
(2) Fraye Oyen. "First Phase of UOG s Expansion Project
Done." Pacific Daily News.
March 4, 1992, 1.
(3) Mark Duarte. "To Study in Style." The Triton Call. February
10, 1993. 1,4.
(4) Chih Wang, Shirley Corbin, and Mark C. Goniwiecha. Guam Governor
s Conference
on Library and Information Services.
35. Agana, Guam: Government of Guam, 1991.
(5) Information 2000: Library and Information Services for the
21st Century.... Washington,
DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1991,
33-64.